Planetouched

OVERVIEW
Sometimes, a child is just born special...

The end of the golden age of the ancient elves saw the death of many of their gods, but also the birth and awakening of many other beings. Proclaiming themselves “new gods”, many of these beings found that they could not manifest themselves onto the material plane without consequence.

In time, some of these beings found that they could impart their essence into mortals, granting them elevated physical and mystical abilities. These individuals have come to be known as the planetouched, and have been powerful pawns in the machinations of these “new gods”. Empires have come and gone, all thanks to involvement of these individuals. Despite their heritage, some have possessed the will to resist the wills of their benefactors, even turning against them in rare instances.

After the gods fell silent, these planetouched have found themselves free of any control or obligation they might have had. Most of planetouched grow up cautious of others, often misunderstood with many believing their coming as some sort of divine sign or fiendish omen.

TIEFLINGS
Perhaps a people with the worst reputation in the world, Tieflings are commonly met with mistrust, disdain,

and outright prejudice. They rarely have happy childhoods, and it is common for most to grow up in orphanages for one reason or another. A common trait among them is an aggressive nature, with some even being quite feral well into their teen years. There have been stories of tieflings clawing or eating their way out of the mothers, only adding to the fear that people have towards them.

Many of history's greatest villains and tyrants have been Tiefling. These were the ones that fully embraced the demonic heritage. Acting as servants of darkness in one form or another these tieflings would congregate, and form cults that would be used to sow discord and chaos, and attempt to open rifts to allow demonic forces onto the material plane. But a rare few have also been heroes, denouncing the darkness, and fighting against evil.

Unlike the gods, the demons that inhabit the Abyssal plane still remain quite active, but their influence is greatly diminished. There are those that choose to seek these powers out, believing it their birthright. But there are many that value their independence, free of the machinations of their fiendish heritage.

Appearance
The demonic blood that runs through a Tiefling’s veins commonly manifests in horns on their head, pigmented skin in hues of blues, purples, and reds, dark eyes, and even tails. Some even call forth hellfire, and the natural ability to understand and speak abyssal. No matter what race they are birthed from, if the demonic blood runs strong enough, it will dominate their physical form. Most Tieflings come from humans, elves, or dwarves. Though rare, tabaxi or orc tieflings have been known to appear.

AASIMAR
Blessed by the gods of old, Aasimar are planetouched with blood of angels coursing through their veins. They are often revered in some places, believed to be a blessing from the gods, or an omen that something evil approaches. In the past this may have been true, but after the gods went silent, most Aasimar have found themselves a little lost.

Unlike their Tiefling counterparts, when an Aasimar is born it is often met with celebration and adoration. People will flock from all around just lay their eyes on this child blessed by the chosen of the gods. Despite their warm welcome, most are taken away from their families to be raised in temples or monasteries to hone their unique abilities, and prepare them for their “destiny”. Many develop inflated egos and visions of grandeur, accompanied by arrogance and a superiority complex. Though many have been great heroes in the past, when this delicate ego is shattered, it can be crushing. Few realise that this can leave them vulnerable to darker influences.

The few lucky ones that get to live relatively normal lives often become the greatest of them all. They may be blessed, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t people.

Appearance
Typically, Aasimar aref human descent, but Aasimar can come from any race. Like Tieflings, the Aasimar have dominant traits that define them. They are taller, stronger, have glowing eyes, and pale silvery or golden skin. Those that are truly blessed can develop wings, truly becoming the embodiment of the divine on the mortal plane.

ELADRIN
Believed to be the first of the planetouched, the Eledrin are characterized elves who are born with elemental powers. The first Eladrin are believed to be wood elves who possessed a strong connection to the elemental spirits and feywilds.

Most elven cultures view Eladrin as chosen defenders of the natural world, a sign that the elemental spirits of the world have need of them. Many have turned the tide in hours of desperate need, or become spiritual leaders for their elven kin. Some become vigilant guardians of sacred groves, or roam the world as wandering sentinels.

Appearance
Eladrin look like typical elves but with colour skin to match the element they embody. Such a fire Eladrin will have red or orangy yellow skin. Their their eyes tend to glow or breath eldritch energies, and most tend to be a bit taller or more physically able than their normal kin.

GENASI
Similar to the Eladrin, these are mortals who have been blessed, or cursed with elemental abilities. Either by some dealing with an elemental spirit or the feywilds, Genani can both be born and created.

Most Genasi are of human origin, but some come from dwarven, tabaxi, mousling, and other races as well. Though still rare, they are usually found in places with a strong connection to the fey and spirits, such as near an ancient forest with a fey grove, or near a sight where the veil between the material and elemental planes are thinnest.

Genasi tend to be treated with distrust, or prejudice, and tend to grow up in isolation. This is often because most communities and people with little or no familiarity with the fey or elemental planes.